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Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Leisure volunteers scoop top award

Grassroots sport is alive and well in Cheshire East thanks to the leisure development volunteer programme that has just won a prestigious national award.

The team beat off competition from around the country to win Volunteer Project of the Year at the National Street Games Awards.

The Council scheme has now been running for five years with 120 regular volunteers giving a range of sporting opportunities to around 2,000 people.

A judging panel made up of leading athletes and sports journalists recognised the hard work and commitment of volunteers, as well as the innovation and development of the programme itself.

A specially-developed mentoring scheme gives volunteers the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience in a leadership role.

The programme has provided full and part-time voluntary positions for individuals who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) – funding training and qualifications that improves employability.

Volunteers are asked to give their input into developing the sports programme, to set up their own projects and to pass on their knowledge to others.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the hard work of our volunteers and the sports development team has been recognised and I congratulate everyone involved.

“The volunteers were instrumental in the success of key events last year such as the Olympic Torch Relay and the athletes’ homecoming events.

“It is the largest sports volunteer programme in the north west and it has excellent links with local schools, providing a route for pupils to get involved with volunteering.”

For more information on the volunteer programme, or if you would like to volunteer within your community, please contact the leisure development team on 01625 383790 or by email: volunteers@cheshireeast.gov.uk